Chapter 125.2 - New Year

Jay-jay's POV

Where am I going? I don't know. I tried to go straight to the restroom but there were too many people. I thought of going to the elevator but Yuri was waiting there. I was forced to go to the fire exit.

Why... Go ahead! When I feel like running away, I noticed that we are on the 34th floor.

I just sat on a step of the stairs. That's when I shed my tears that I had been holding back.

I hope it's just a dream. I hope what I heard is not true. I hope Yuri meant something else when he said it.

I don't want to get married yet... I don't want to!

"Jay..." Someone called.

I immediately wiped my tears. I didn't look to see who he was.

He sat next to me and handed me the handkerchief he was holding.

"Leave me first, Brother." I'm begging you, but that sounds more like a commanding sound, probably because I'm angry.

"I was going to explain it to you before but I didn't get the chance." He said.

I looked at him with anger. I want to show and make him feel my anger.

"Why me?! Yes, I owe you guys! But that doesn't mean you control everything over me!"

Kuya looked at me badly. I know what I said and the tone of my speech to him was rude..

"...You didn't even ask for my opinion!" I continued.

"Jay... We already talked to your Mom about----"

"And why did you talk to her about this?!" I almost shouted.

I was shocked when I heard what he said.

"Because she's your Mom! And you are still her daughter!" Brother said angrily.

I'll admit, I'm scared. Every time brother yells because of what I do, I trembled. What's more, he looks at me seriously now.

But I don't want to lose!

"You talked to Mama, I have papa too! Did you ask for his permission?!"

Big brother didn't answer. He stood up and was about to walk away.

"Why are you doing this to me?!" I asked angrily and at the same time my tears fell again.

Brother stopped and I heard his deep breathing.

"You are our family Jay... When Mr. Yuori asked your hand for his grand child I said 'No'. But it is time to find a way to make it happen." Kuya explained calmly. He faced me and look at me "...I hope you understand. This is not just about the company, this is also about you. A good life awaits you."

"But brother..." I said and my crying got louder. "...I don't want to. I want to study. I want to work. I want to achieve my desired outcomes from the work I'm putting in."

"You wanted those things, I hope you get your life in order!" He scolded me.

"Because… when did I realize that I wanted this?" I took a deep breath. "...Brother!"

"Jay-Jay, come with me! Aunt Jeana has agreed—it can't happen just the way you want!" he said, frustrated.

His voice echoed throughout the fire exit, causing me to panic. I couldn't hide the fear I was feeling earlier.

"I've been with Yuri once and I don't see any problem with him." He added.

"I don't want to!" Screaming at the same time as I cried.

"Jay! What?!"

"You never let me see or talk to Papa and then you're going to do this to me!" I scolded, causing Kuya Angelo to hold me by the arm and look me earnestly in the eye.

"I don't want to hear that again from you! Your Papa left you a long time ago so don't mention him anymore!"

Kuya pushed me to let go. I leaned against the wall by his push. It hurts but what's inside me hurts more.

I feel like I have no control over my life. I'm just like a doll that people around me play with.

Brother angrily opened the fire exit door and continued walking. I was left on the floor and continued to cry.

"Jay-jay!" Grandma called me so I looked up at her.

She sat next to me and I immediately hugged her.

"Grandma! Brother..." I said like a child.

"Ssshhh... Hold on. Everything will be okay." She said while rubbing my back.

"I don't want to... I don't want to get married yet..."

"I know that..."

I still continued to cry. My hair is almost ruined. My clothes got dirty but I still didn't stop.

I don't know how long Grandma and I have been sitting on the floor. I stopped when I felt my throat dry up from crying.

Grandma wiped my face wet with tears and cold.

"Don't be angry with your brother... He only thinks of what is good for everyone." He said while trying to fix my hair.

"To everyone or to him only?"

"Jay... Could you stop hearing yourself? Your brain is shutting down. Listen to us first.'

Grandma was right so I bowed and kept quiet. Because of my anger, my mind became closed to brother's explanations.

"When you and Yuri get married, your brother and aunt's company will be saved. You will have a good life and a chance to study abroad. They might also help you talk to your Dad." Grandma explained.

"But La... Where is my freedom? I'm not even 20 yet but I'm already getting married. Where are the things I wanted to do?"

Grandma held one of my hands. She also caressed my cheek.

"That thing, Yuri can give it to you. If you don't notice it, but he likes you and I can see it in his eyes that he will do everything to make you happy."

What if I ask him to stop the marriage?!

"...Think carefully." Grandma added before standing up.

I also stood up. I shook my clothes that had been soiled by my drama.

We walked out of the fire exit. Aunt greeted us, obviously worried.

"Jay... What happened to your dress? You're a mess." Aunt said and tried to fix my head band.

"Let's go back inside, Yuri's family is looking for us." Brother ordered as if he had been waiting for us for a while.

My aunt fixed it for a while. Added face powder and lip gloss again. After we entered inside.

We returned to our table earlier where Tito Julz was talking to Yuri.

"Hey..." He greeted me.

I just forced a smile.

"Sorry if you were shocked by what happened. It's not my intention----"

"It's okay Yuri." I cut off what he had to say.

I looked him in the eyes. "If you don't want this engagement, I will talk to them right now."

Brother was immediately alarmed. He tried to approach us but Tito Julz blocked him.

I responded by holding Yuri's hand. I just bit my lower lip.

"Yuri... O-okay. I will marry you." I answered almost in a whisper.

"T-really? You accepted my proposal?" He asked me incredulously.

I just nodded to him in response. He suddenly hugged me. I couldn't move in shock.

"You don't know how happy I am." He whispered to me.

He let me go and kissed me on the forehead. "I'll just tell my parents." He said goodbye and walked away.

I looked at Brother. "Is that okay?"

He didn't answer, he just looked away. I looked at Aries, he was obviously not happy with my decision. He suddenly walked out and Ella immediately followed him.

Even I am not happy with my decision. I'm not sure if that's right. Because grandma is right and one more thing, I also liked Yuri but....

Keifer.

My eyes instinctively searched for Keifer. He is at the bar drinking alcohol again. He looked at me with no reaction.

I smiled at him but he gave me trouble. I just bowed.

Actually, there is something strange about him. I can't say what it is but it's not what he usually gives me.

I said goodbye to aunt and washed my face first. They let me.

When he got there, there were two women who were constantly in front of the mirror. They looked old to me. They apply lipstick and fixed their eyebrows.

I just ignored them and went straight to the cubicle. As soon as I sat down, I immediately heard my name being called.

"Do you know Jasper Jean? Papa Yuri's fiancé." Said the other.

"No... He left when I arrived."

"She is not pretty, but still artistic, still knows how to play."

"If she doesn't like Papa Yuri, I will approach him." One answered and they laughed.

I don't know, my body is very tired. Then I heard more like this.

I left the cubicle and went straight to the sink to wash my hands. Even if I don't look at them, I know they are laughing at me and whispering.

Bitch!

I looked at them in the mirror reflection. They even managed to raise an eyebrow while looking at me from head to toe.

"Yeah, I'm not that pretty... But Yuri still has a crush on me." I said and smirked.

I walked away. "Goodbye, bitches!" I shouted before finally leaving the restroom.

I don't really do that, because my feelings are already layered on top of each other. I feel like kicking!

I was about to return when Keifer suddenly passed in front of me. I didn't even look at it. He continued and stopped in front of the elevator.

He was about to press the button but he suddenly stopped and slowly looked at me. I stopped suddenly. That's because of his strange look.

He seems to be thinking about something. We stared at each other for a while. Something told me to approach him.

I was about to take a step but Keifer looked away and continued pressing the elevator button.

I bit my lower lip. Why should I approach him? There is no reason for me to talk to him.

I turned around and started walking but I hadn't gone far when someone suddenly he grabbed my arm and pulled me into the elevator.

"K-keifer."

"Do you like Yuri?!" He asked me.

I just stared at him. It's shocking because what he does. Now he is asking me this question.

"Do you like him?!" He repeated his questions.

"Keifer... W-What---"

"If you won't answer me I will kiss you!"